Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Traverse Mount Usu and Mount Nishiyama’s Base Crater Walkway to see a site frozen in March 2000. This 1.6-kilometer walkway has been left as it was found when Mount Usu last erupted at the turn of the century. Witness for yourself the destructive power of nature. The land beneath your feet looks cracked and uneven, destroyed buildings dot the area, and knocked-over electric poles litter the path. At the end of the trail lies the beautiful Nishishinzan Pond, created through a collection of rainwater in one of the volcano’s remaining craters. Gazing upon the pond’s watery depths will leave a lasting impression. Be sure to check out the nearby Toyako Visitor Center and Volcano Science Museum to learn more about the science of volcanic eruptions and the history of Lake Toya.

Mount Usu, an active volcano that has erupted only 4 times in the last 100 years, offers trekkers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From the base of the mountain, take a 6-minute ropeway ride to the summit. As you ascend, be on the lookout for Lake Toya and Mount Yotei, two incredible sights not to be missed! Once you arrive at the top, take in the panoramic views of Mount Showashinzan. Walk along another path to the Crater Basin Observation Deck and get a close-up view of the Ginnuma crater and Kousu lava dome. Before you head back down, be sure to check out the “volcano village” where visitors can learn about the history of the past four eruptions, experience them in the “eruption experience room”, and learn about disaster prevention. If you’re hungry, be sure to grab a bite at the restaurant and visit the souvenir store.

Lake Toya Onsen was created by volcanic eruptions during the Meiji Era (1868-1912). The abundance of hot spring water and the number of hotels and inns lining the shores of the lake make it one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, attracting nearly 3 million tourists a year. From guest rooms and open-air baths, visitors can enjoy the spectacular seasonal views of Lake Toya and Mount Yotei, known as “Ezo Fuji. From late April to October every year, the “Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival” is held, during which a large fireworks display is shot into the sky of Lake Toya for 20 minutes every night from 20:45 to 21:05. Free hot spring baths and footbaths are scattered throughout the hot spring resort area, so enjoy them while strolling around. Nearby are the Mt. Usu ropeway and Mt. Showa Shinzan, which still emits a white plume of smoke, so you can fully enjoy the magnificent nature created by the volcano.

Toyoura Town, part of the Toya-Usu Geopark, faces Funka Bay (Uchiura Bay). To the north, it features the mountainous region with Mount Kombu, and to the south, the dynamic and scenic Rebunge Coast.

Also known as the 'Romantic Coast,' this picturesque area is characterized by dramatic cliffs and striking rock formations. Along the coastline, there are campsites and various attractions such as the Literary Monument Park, which features memorials to poets and writers like Tekkan and Akiko Yosano, Mokichi Saito, and Sei Ito.

Toyoura Town is also famous for its strawberries, and the Michi-no-Eki offers various seasonal agricultural products. It is a recommended stop before or after your stroll.

Sohei Watanabe has practiced the art of sword-making for over 40 years. The creation of Japanese swords is a very complex and arduous process whose artistry has been all but lost. Don’t miss the chance to watch this cultural tradition so central to the samurai lovingly preserved. Visit Mr. Watanabe’s workshop to learn about the history and techniques of sword-making in the Heian (794-1185) and Kamakura (1185-1333) periods from the man himself. Then, be dazzled by his demonstration of the historic art of tempering a blade.

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Japan. Noboribetsu Onsen is called a “department store of hot springs,” a rarity in the world, and visitors can enjoy a hot spring tour at a variety of ryokan (Japanese-style inns) and hotels. There are many attractions at the source of the hot springs, including Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and Oyunuma Swamp, where boiling water gushes out amidst the scent of sulfur, Sengen Park, where geysers erupt vigorously every three hours, and Oyunuma River Natural Foot Bath, where visitors can enjoy foot bathing in hot spring water overflowing from the swamp. Monuments of demons, the symbol of the hot springs, can be found here and there in the hot spring resort area, so it is fun to stroll around looking for them.

Oyunuma River Natural Footbath in Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Hokkaido's most popular hot spring resorts, is a charming healing spot. A 30-minute walk along the promenade from Noboribetsu Park Service Center, located next to Jigokudani, while enjoying forest bathing, will lead you to the cobalt blue natural footbath. The unique healing time in the river with hot spring water flowing through it will be a wonderful memory of your trip.

As a center for the revival and development of Ainu culture, this facility is a place to learn about and convey the history and culture of the Ainu people. Visitors can watch dance performances and experience playing the "mukkuri" and "tonkori" musical instruments used in the dances. There are also a variety of programs to experience and enjoy the culture, such as cooking and tasting meals that embody the wisdom of living amidst the natural environment.

You can spend a relaxing and fulfilling day with the beautiful scenery of Lake Poroto, surrounded by rich nature. We await your visit.

Located on a hilltop in Niikappu, one of Japan's premier horse breeding areas, this riding club boasts an outstanding location. Many of the horses here are former racehorses, Thoroughbreds that once excelled on the track! One of the attractions is the opportunity to enjoy horse trekking and lessons on these Thoroughbreds. Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, instructors are available to guide you, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. You can enjoy authentic horse trekking.

In addition to riding, you can also enjoy horse viewing and feeding experiences. Just a short walk away is "Niikappu Onsen Re-Code no Yu 'Hotel Hills'," where you can relax in the hot springs after interacting with the horses.

The 107-hectare Aeru Hotel and Resort is the perfect place to enjoy the Urakawa countryside. At the start of your day, why not travel throughout the pristine natural surroundings on horseback? Equestrian tours are available all year round alongside a variety of activities for everyone from children to adults. Finish a fun-filled day in the great outdoors with a delicious meal at the restaurant and some quiet relaxing time at the spa.